Valyncia moves over awkwardly as she tries to comfort Kairn, "You know my mom and dad are always happy to help you out till you get back on your feet." She already felt uncertain about her words even as they left her mouth, she was never really good at this sort of thing.
Kairn smiles at her. Yes, I know. They've been good and generous friends. I'll have yer father maintain my forge while I'm gone. Maybe I can find some answers while I'm away.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Entering the office, Xinq gives a respectful nod and introduces himself formally.
"My Lady, the pleasure is all mine. I am Xinq, Warren Castellan of Thousand Steps. It is my humble duty to serve my liege, the Duke, as his ambassador. I was rather hoping we could discuss", he pauses imperceptibly, "some trade matters."
Lady Pajeon nods at Xinq's introduction. "Must be important to the Duke if he's sending an envoy all this way." She sits with a posture more of a bouncer in a tavern than a refined noble person of her title. "What sort of trade matter brings you here: food, clothing, parchment? Is it something he's selling or receiving?"
Gathered around the ash, the soft wind blows sending black pigments rising into the air. Vallen gets the sense that this occurrence is not what he'd seen. It wouldn't be long until the caravan would be seeking to leave Thornwood behind on its path to Holden Heights. The sound of horses being connected back up to the wagons is heard back at the town square. In the distance outside of town the cries of hyenas can be heard.
((For the most part, this thread will be on hold until Monday December 5th. I hope everyone enjoys the Holiday weekend. If there is anything character specific you want to discuss, just send me a DM. Sorry for launching the thread the week of a holiday. Once things settle, it will move more smoothly, I promise!))
((Well, I'm a bit relieved that it wasn't only me who has had a hectic/busy time recently!))
Cailee quietly followed Valyncia to Kairn's fallen home. She gave a look to Kairn of apology; she had tried to put out the fire, but because of her fear of fire and lack of skill or experience, failed to prevent the loss of the building (though, she didn't give herself enough credit for her help in preventing the fire from spreading elsewhere).
Cailee stood quite tall at 6'9"--and hopefully, as she puts it, getting taller--and her build was quite thick, reminiscent of the Firbolgs' giant ancestors. Although she was well past the age of adulthood for shorter-lived races, namely humans, she still had several years to go before her adolescence was fully realized. To a well-informed observer, Cailee's heart-shaped face was still a bit rounded and youthful, as one would expect a teenager's to be. Her skin was pale grey, like stone, and the sun peppered it dark grey freckles. Her rounded cheeks and large nose were in a permanent blush. Though her eyes were small, one could easily be drawn in by their emerald color and radiating kindness. Her ash-brown hair was tied back in two tight, functional braids that fell behind her deer-like ears and ended just at her shoulders. Her clothes were a simple sleeveless tunic and comfortable pair of short trousers, as she had not yet put on any of her leather armor that day. Upon close inspection, one might find that Cailee was not wearing--or rather, never wore--shoes.
Vallen nodded to Kairn as he spoke, "I am sorry for the loss of your building here..." He offers greetings to those he has not met, "Vallen Warmwater, Grave Cleric of Merveille." He gives them a formal bow. He then thought for a moment then muttered, "Thankfully does not seem to be part of what I was thinking... so that is good..." He looked up hearing the cries from animals heard and raises an eyebrow, "What in the hells is that..." He would look to the others present to see their reaction.
"Hello there, I'm Valyncia." She introduces herself in return to Vallen, after a pause where she realizes Kairn already mentioned her name she adds, "I guess you already knew that. Still, nice to meet you." Afterwards she looks off in the direction of the hyena cries, "Aren't those the hyenas you were off killing yesterday, Kairn? Think they might be back already?"
(( Sorry for my absence; Jubal should be back Dec. 5th. I got too used to looking to notifications to remind myself to post, and you don't get notifications of a thread you never posted to.... ))
Lady Pajeon nods at Xinq's introduction. "Must be important to the Duke if he's sending an envoy all this way." She sits with a posture more of a bouncer in a tavern than a refined noble person of her title. "What sort of trade matter brings you here: food, clothing, parchment? Is it something he's selling or receiving?"
Xinq hides a pained expression, "More something he's not receiving. It would appear that shipments are going missing, or sometimes going missing and then turning up again, relabelled, and at twice the price."
"You look like a lady who prefers directness", he says, taking a moment to consider his words, "So I won't beat around the bush. Members of the Duke's court seek to confound him. I seek to find out who they are."
Vallen bows to Valyncia, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Valyncia." He looks once more around at the cries, "Is that a common occurrence here? Hyenas crying around the town?"
Valyncia nods to Vallen, "Please just Valyncia is fine. Well, Sometimes we get beasts coming out of the woods looking for an easy meal when they get hungry but it's usually nothing too bad. Most of the time someone like me or Kairn can just scare them off before they really do much damage. Maybe it's just me but these hyenas seem like they're been unusually aggressive."
Vallen nodded again, "Of course Valyncia, my apologies." He gives a worried expression at the mention the hyenas seem more aggressive, "That does not sound good at all... Are you all going to head there to investigate the matter? If so I would like to join you all."
Xinq hides a pained expression, "More something he's not receiving. It would appear that shipments are going missing, or sometimes going missing and then turning up again, relabelled, and at twice the price."
"You look like a lady who prefers directness", he says, taking a moment to consider his words, "So I won't beat around the bush. Members of the Duke's court seek to confound him. I seek to find out who they are."
She frowns with disappointment. "I haven't heard of any issues. You should talk to whoever you're buying from. They should be making sure the things are delivered as ordered. Now, if they're getting stolen and resold that's an entirely different issue. The roads have been safe for travelers with the exception of a few wild beast attacks here and there. I haven't heard of any thieves along the main roads. Whatever you learn, make sure you report back here with the info. It could be that you're Duke was the first to notice a larger issue."
The day is young as the sun begins to rise in the east over the mountains. Kairn feels a bit comforted in knowing that Valyncia's father would tend to the ash and work to restore the forge. His mind paces with the possibilities of what could have caused the fire. Having heard the fire seemed to start from the assortment of rags, he knows the fire was deliberate. He could think of only the elf as a potential cause but he was long gone for Holden Heights by this time. There were also the youngsters in the tavern that seemed out of place but what motivation would they have?
The streets in the town start to grow in density as townsfolk go about their daily routines. Most of the people here seemed pretty happy with their lives as they headed from the shops and stores. With the harvesting completed, the crop farmers found themselves with a bit more free time to enjoy the pleasures of the season. Those tending ranches still had their tasks to be completed including milking the cows and stocking up troughs. For those unaccustomed to farming towns, the smell of fertilizer in the air was rather pungent.
(There are a few different ways we can go from here and that is up to you all. )
1. The caravan will be departing for Holden Heights soon. Do you wish to continue south?
2. The cries of the hyenas could be the early signs of another aggression by the beasts. Do you stay in town to fight off hyenas?
3. Kairn's shop has been burned to the ground. Do you investigate the cause of the fire further?
Jubal makes his way through the line of wagons hoping to find someone responsible for the caravan. He eventually finds a human that is rather large in stature and physique that looks to be able to wrestle a bear if he needed to. He's wearing rather light clothing often found among sailors of the north that provides plenty of cover from the sun but little in the means of warmth. He's currently securing several crates in the wagon and giving orders to one of the guards taking post here in Thornwood.
"Sir? A moment, if I may?"
Jubal knew it was a bit impatient of him to be so direct. But he didn't want to waste time; perhaps the man had forgotten?
"Sorry to bother you, sir, but you're in charge of this caravan, correct? Allow me to introduce myself... I am Jubal, Bard of Lore and Literature."He bowed as he stated his self-proclaimed title. "I do apologize for having to bring this up so awkwardly but... we had been given the promise of payment in exchange for traveling with the caravan. I must ask... was this promise good?"
He scrutinized the man as he awaited, a pleasant, diplomatic smile the only emotion showing on his face.
Valyncia moves over awkwardly as she tries to comfort Kairn, "You know my mom and dad are always happy to help you out till you get back on your feet." She already felt uncertain about her words even as they left her mouth, she was never really good at this sort of thing.
Kairn smiles at her. Yes, I know. They've been good and generous friends. I'll have yer father maintain my forge while I'm gone. Maybe I can find some answers while I'm away.
Back and ready to DM and chew bubblegum. And I'm alllll outta bubblegum.
Entering the office, Xinq gives a respectful nod and introduces himself formally.
"My Lady, the pleasure is all mine. I am Xinq, Warren Castellan of Thousand Steps. It is my humble duty to serve my liege, the Duke, as his ambassador. I was rather hoping we could discuss", he pauses imperceptibly, "some trade matters."
((sorry for being slow to post! I didn't think my holiday travel would be quite as busy as it has been...))
Lady Pajeon nods at Xinq's introduction. "Must be important to the Duke if he's sending an envoy all this way." She sits with a posture more of a bouncer in a tavern than a refined noble person of her title. "What sort of trade matter brings you here: food, clothing, parchment? Is it something he's selling or receiving?"
Gathered around the ash, the soft wind blows sending black pigments rising into the air. Vallen gets the sense that this occurrence is not what he'd seen. It wouldn't be long until the caravan would be seeking to leave Thornwood behind on its path to Holden Heights. The sound of horses being connected back up to the wagons is heard back at the town square. In the distance outside of town the cries of hyenas can be heard.
((I'll be mostly unavailable Thursday-Sunday, with holiday stuff. I'll try and post if I can in that period, but I don't expect much.))
((Well, I'm a bit relieved that it wasn't only me who has had a hectic/busy time recently!))
Cailee quietly followed Valyncia to Kairn's fallen home. She gave a look to Kairn of apology; she had tried to put out the fire, but because of her fear of fire and lack of skill or experience, failed to prevent the loss of the building (though, she didn't give herself enough credit for her help in preventing the fire from spreading elsewhere).
Cailee stood quite tall at 6'9"--and hopefully, as she puts it, getting taller--and her build was quite thick, reminiscent of the Firbolgs' giant ancestors. Although she was well past the age of adulthood for shorter-lived races, namely humans, she still had several years to go before her adolescence was fully realized. To a well-informed observer, Cailee's heart-shaped face was still a bit rounded and youthful, as one would expect a teenager's to be. Her skin was pale grey, like stone, and the sun peppered it dark grey freckles. Her rounded cheeks and large nose were in a permanent blush. Though her eyes were small, one could easily be drawn in by their emerald color and radiating kindness. Her ash-brown hair was tied back in two tight, functional braids that fell behind her deer-like ears and ended just at her shoulders. Her clothes were a simple sleeveless tunic and comfortable pair of short trousers, as she had not yet put on any of her leather armor that day. Upon close inspection, one might find that Cailee was not wearing--or rather, never wore--shoes.
Vallen nodded to Kairn as he spoke, "I am sorry for the loss of your building here..." He offers greetings to those he has not met, "Vallen Warmwater, Grave Cleric of Merveille." He gives them a formal bow. He then thought for a moment then muttered, "Thankfully does not seem to be part of what I was thinking... so that is good..." He looked up hearing the cries from animals heard and raises an eyebrow, "What in the hells is that..." He would look to the others present to see their reaction.
"Hello there, I'm Valyncia." She introduces herself in return to Vallen, after a pause where she realizes Kairn already mentioned her name she adds, "I guess you already knew that. Still, nice to meet you." Afterwards she looks off in the direction of the hyena cries, "Aren't those the hyenas you were off killing yesterday, Kairn? Think they might be back already?"
(( Sorry for my absence; Jubal should be back Dec. 5th. I got too used to looking to notifications to remind myself to post, and you don't get notifications of a thread you never posted to.... ))
Whistler
Titus - V. Human Battle Master Fighter 3 - [Pic] - [Pic2] - [Traits] - in Shadowglass
Locke - V. Human Shadow Monk 3 / Undead Warlock 2 - [Pic] - [Traits] - in FOW - DMless West Marches
Flèche - V. Human Swords Bard 10 - [Pic] - [Traits] - in The Scarlet Mist
Sterling - V. Human Bard 1 - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Xinq hides a pained expression, "More something he's not receiving. It would appear that shipments are going missing, or sometimes going missing and then turning up again, relabelled, and at twice the price."
"You look like a lady who prefers directness", he says, taking a moment to consider his words, "So I won't beat around the bush. Members of the Duke's court seek to confound him. I seek to find out who they are."
Svent turns to Kairn, "Did you sleep in that place too, or do you have somewhere else to go here?"
Vallen bows to Valyncia, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Valyncia." He looks once more around at the cries, "Is that a common occurrence here? Hyenas crying around the town?"
Valyncia nods to Vallen, "Please just Valyncia is fine. Well, Sometimes we get beasts coming out of the woods looking for an easy meal when they get hungry but it's usually nothing too bad. Most of the time someone like me or Kairn can just scare them off before they really do much damage. Maybe it's just me but these hyenas seem like they're been unusually aggressive."
Vallen nodded again, "Of course Valyncia, my apologies." He gives a worried expression at the mention the hyenas seem more aggressive, "That does not sound good at all... Are you all going to head there to investigate the matter? If so I would like to join you all."
She frowns with disappointment. "I haven't heard of any issues. You should talk to whoever you're buying from. They should be making sure the things are delivered as ordered. Now, if they're getting stolen and resold that's an entirely different issue. The roads have been safe for travelers with the exception of a few wild beast attacks here and there. I haven't heard of any thieves along the main roads. Whatever you learn, make sure you report back here with the info. It could be that you're Duke was the first to notice a larger issue."
The day is young as the sun begins to rise in the east over the mountains. Kairn feels a bit comforted in knowing that Valyncia's father would tend to the ash and work to restore the forge. His mind paces with the possibilities of what could have caused the fire. Having heard the fire seemed to start from the assortment of rags, he knows the fire was deliberate. He could think of only the elf as a potential cause but he was long gone for Holden Heights by this time. There were also the youngsters in the tavern that seemed out of place but what motivation would they have?
The streets in the town start to grow in density as townsfolk go about their daily routines. Most of the people here seemed pretty happy with their lives as they headed from the shops and stores. With the harvesting completed, the crop farmers found themselves with a bit more free time to enjoy the pleasures of the season. Those tending ranches still had their tasks to be completed including milking the cows and stocking up troughs. For those unaccustomed to farming towns, the smell of fertilizer in the air was rather pungent.
(There are a few different ways we can go from here and that is up to you all. )
"Sir? A moment, if I may?"
Jubal knew it was a bit impatient of him to be so direct. But he didn't want to waste time; perhaps the man had forgotten?
"Sorry to bother you, sir, but you're in charge of this caravan, correct? Allow me to introduce myself... I am Jubal, Bard of Lore and Literature." He bowed as he stated his self-proclaimed title. "I do apologize for having to bring this up so awkwardly but... we had been given the promise of payment in exchange for traveling with the caravan. I must ask... was this promise good?"
He scrutinized the man as he awaited, a pleasant, diplomatic smile the only emotion showing on his face.
(( OOC: Picture of Jubal in my signature ))
Whistler
Titus - V. Human Battle Master Fighter 3 - [Pic] - [Pic2] - [Traits] - in Shadowglass
Locke - V. Human Shadow Monk 3 / Undead Warlock 2 - [Pic] - [Traits] - in FOW - DMless West Marches
Flèche - V. Human Swords Bard 10 - [Pic] - [Traits] - in The Scarlet Mist
Sterling - V. Human Bard 1 - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf